Where the Ride Never Ends

Pink Floyd Founding Member Syd Barrett Released His Debut Solo Album 47 Years Ago Today

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Syd Barrett, the front man and founding member of the English rock band Pink Floyd release his debut solo album, The Madcap Laughs, 47 years ago today, on January 3, 1970. Syd, who was the primary guitarist and vocalist for Pink Floyd, passed away nearly 11 years ago, back in 2006. The band was active betwen the years of 1965 and 1995, and returned briefly from 2012 to 2014 – which means this band shaped the the world of music for many of us in the BON Family.

The Madcap Laughs was one of several Pink Floyd solo albums released, and was recorded after Syd left Pink Floyd in 1968. The album was released on Harvest in the UK, and on Capitol Records in the US, and enjoyed minimal commercial success on release. It reached number 40 on the UK’s official albums chart, while failing to hit the US charts at all. In 1974, the album was re-released as part of Syd Barrett (which contained The Madcap Laughs and Barrett). It was again reissued and remastered 1993, alongside Syd’s other albums, Barrett (1970) and Opel (1988), both independently and as part of the Crazy Diamond box set. A third remastered version was released in 2010, following Syd’s death.

Remember Syd Barrett and The Madcap Laughs by taking a listen to the full album below, courtesy of YouTuber WinterRain. Do you remember what the album art for The Madcap Laughs looked liked? Check that out below as well. Tell us in the comments if Pink Floyd was an integral part of your music collection through the decades. Do you use them today as road music while you’re out cruising on the bike?